Are Expectations on Obama Realistic?

Today is the second day of celebrations following the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States. While this event is historic in more than one way the inauguration was keenly watched and celebrated by Kenyans where Obama traces his roots as his father was Kenyan. Indeed many Kenyans have high expectations arguing that the elevation of Obama will definitely result in the trickling of especially economic benefits to the country. But are these expectations realistic?

On the one hand, Obama has created additional awareness on US citizens on what is available in Kenya in terms of culture and other tourist attractions. Therefore Kenya is definitely going to benefit from the influx of US tourists who have developed a keen interest in understanding Obama's ancestry.

The country is also expected to benefit politically in terms of governance as the Obama has placed on the spot corruption in government which has been a major stumbling block in the development of the country. The radar on governance may result in less corruption and more attention to human rights. Also, the elevation of Obama is likely to be taken upon by the country's youth as an inspiration to aspire for political office and bring about the much-needed reforms in the country's governance.

I think what Kenyans should appreciate is that Obama is not a Kenyan but a US citizen. He is the President of the United States and owes no allegiance to Kenya or Africa for that matter. American problems will always have a priority. Therefore his first priority is to tackle the monumental problems facing the U.S., and especially tackling the biting recession that has complicated the lives of Americans. Any economic policies that he will come up with will be those having a direct impact in alleviating the effects of the recession.

Overcoming the recession is not going to be easy. It is also likely to occupy the diary of the president's four year calender of his first term. Remember also that how he manages the U.S. economy will also affect his chances of being elected for a second term. By the time the recession is finally taken care of it will be probably in the third or forth year of his term, with limited time to turn his attention to other countries especially in Africa and specifically Kenya.

Kenyans should definitely take pride in themselves after having one related to them become the US president. But they should not expect that this will result in direct benefits to the country. At the end of the day, Kenyans are responsible for their country, no one else.